21 POWER PERENNIALS: HARDY GARDENING FLOWERS THAT BRING UNSTOPPABLE COLOR EVERY YEAR

When you’re looking for reliable, low-maintenance plants that deliver impressive flower power, these tough-as-nails hardy perennials are your best bet. Each of these resilient plants thrives in challenging conditions, such as drought, poor soil, and harsh winters, returning each year with stunning blooms that brighten your garden.

Baptisia

Once established, Baptisia, commonly known as false indigo, can thrive for decades. In fact, several specimens in the Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden® have reliably bloomed every spring since their planting in the 1950s. This robust, shrub-like perennial produces elegant stalks adorned with blue, white, purple, or yellow flowers, which are followed by distinctive seedpods filled with seeds. Baptisia also boasts attractive blue-green, pea-like foliage that remains visually appealing even when the plants are not in bloom, making it a fantastic addition to any garden.

Daylily

Practically indestructible, daylilies (Hemerocallis) thrive in nearly any sunny spot and are known for their prolific flowering. They are drought-tolerant, insect-resistant, and come in a vast array of colors and bicolors. Daylilies are available as early, mid, and late-season bloomers, so consider planting a mix in your garden for a continuous display of color throughout the season. Alternatively, you can choose repeat-blooming varieties that flower from spring until fall, ensuring your garden remains vibrant and lively.

Hosta

If you appreciate variety, hostas are an excellent choice for your garden. These shade-loving perennials come in hundreds of shapes, sizes, and colors, from giants that can reach up to 4 feet tall to diminutive varieties that only grow about 4 inches high. Known for their stunning foliage, hostas also produce beautiful flower spikes in shades of blue, white, or lavender during the summer, with flowering times varying by variety. These hardy plants are easy to care for and can be dug up and divided whenever you want to expand your collection or share with friends.

Garden Phlox

Every flower border should feature a generous helping of garden phlox. These timeless perennials produce large, fragrant flower heads that bloom from midsummer to fall, providing vibrant color and delightful scents to your garden. Available in a range of hues including pink, red, purple, white, and bicolor options, some varieties also boast variegated foliage for added visual interest. If you live in a humid climate, consider selecting mildew-resistant types to ensure your garden remains healthy. Garden phlox pairs beautifully with roses, coneflowers, and lilies, making it an excellent companion plant that enhances the overall beauty of your floral arrangements.

Hellebore

Just when it feels like winter will never end, hellebores bring a much-needed burst of color to the landscape. Often referred to as Lenten or Christmas roses due to their early blooming season, these hardy perennials thrive in shady areas, where their nodding flowers in shades of pink, white, rose, green, purple, yellow, spotted, or bicolored varieties brighten up dark corners of your garden. Hellebores make excellent companions for spring-flowering bulbs like Narcissus and Squill, enhancing the beauty of your early garden. Additionally, they are resistant to deer and rabbits, making them a reliable choice for a thriving garden.

Barrenwort

One of the best shade perennials, barrenwort (Epimedium spp.) is a true garden workhorse. This hardy groundcover provides not only colorful foliage but also lovely flowers. Its high drought resistance makes it an excellent choice for shady areas with dry soil. Depending on the variety and your region, Epimedium may even remain evergreen through the winter. This perennial spreads slowly, gradually carpeting your garden with vibrant color and texture, making it a fantastic addition to any shaded landscape.

Oriental Lily

Enhance your flower borders with the vibrant color and delightful fragrance of Oriental lilies (Lilium spp.). These stunning plants produce clusters of richly scented flowers from mid to late summer, showcasing a beautiful palette that includes pink, rose, white, pale orange, and cream. Many varieties are also adorned with speckles and stripes, adding further visual interest to your garden.

Oriental lilies are easy to grow from bulbs planted in either spring or fall. Keep in mind that some taller varieties may need support in windy locations, so it’s a good idea to set stakes in the ground while the plants are still young. Their exquisite blooms make excellent cut flowers, but be sure to remove the stamens before bringing them indoors to prevent any staining on your clothes. To maintain the health and vigor of your plants, remember to dig and divide the bulbs every few years in the fall.

Sedum

If you’re in search of a low-maintenance perennial, make sure to add sedums to your shopping list! These resilient plants come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, thriving in tough conditions without succumbing to heat, drought, winter cold, or pests. One popular variety is Dragon’s Blood sedum, known for its attractive red-and-green foliage and fast-growing creeping habit, making it an ideal groundcover for slopes. While sedums thrive in sunny spots, they can also tolerate part-sun conditions, making them versatile additions to any garden.

Russian Sage

Brighten up your late summer and fall garden with the stunning Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia). This resilient perennial, native to central Asia, thrives in hot, dry conditions, making it a great choice for low-maintenance gardens. Its striking bluish-purple flowers bloom from mid to late summer, maintaining their vibrant color for weeks. Complemented by its aromatic, silvery foliage, Russian sage adds both beauty and texture to your landscape. While the plant can grow as tall as 8 feet, dwarf varieties are available, reaching a more compact height of about 3 feet, perfect for smaller spaces.

Peony

Make a lasting investment in your garden with peonies (Paeonia). These stunning sun-loving perennials bloom reliably for decades, becoming larger and more vibrant with each passing year. Available in a wide range of colors and flower forms—including singles, doubles, and semi-doubles—peonies are sure to add beauty to any landscape. Their delightful fragrance makes them an excellent choice for fresh-cut bouquets, filling your home with their lovely scent. While blooming times can vary slightly by variety, most peonies flower in May and June. Even after their blossoms fade, their finely cut foliage continues to provide visual interest in the flower border throughout the growing season.

Bee Balm

Looking to add some floral fireworks to your garden? Consider planting bee balm (Monarda spp.). This native perennial offers stunning bursts of flowers in both cool and warm tones during the summer and fall, creating a vibrant display that delights pollinators. Additionally, bee balm is often overlooked by rabbits and deer, making it a resilient choice for your landscape. It can also withstand some drought conditions, ensuring that it remains a striking feature in your garden even during drier spells.

Blazing Star

Thriving in the wilds of the American prairies, blazing star (Liatris spp.) is a fantastic choice for hot, sunny gardens. These resilient plants are well-suited to withstand heat and drought, and they come in beautiful pink, purple, or white flowering varieties. Blazing star produces a clump of narrow leaves, which are topped in mid to late summer by tall, 2-foot spikes of vibrant blooms. This eye-catching perennial is not only a stunning addition to your garden but also a favorite among butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, making it a great choice for attracting wildlife to your outdoor space.

Asiatic Lily

Asiatics are the hardiest of all lilies and are nearly foolproof for gardeners. These resilient plants grow quickly from bulbs planted in the fall or early spring, producing stunning, upward-facing flowers in a wide array of colors and bicolors. While bloom times can vary by variety, most display their most impressive flower show in early to midsummer. Asiatic lilies multiply rapidly, allowing you to dig and divide them every few years to spread their beauty to other sunny areas in your garden. Some varieties even have a light fragrance, adding to their charm.

Coreopsis

Coreopsis thrives in hot, dry weather, making it a fantastic perennial for summer gardens. As a native American plant, it’s known for its reliability and prolific blooms. These cheerful flowers come in various colors, including yellow, orange, pink, white, red, and bicolored varieties, and they sway gracefully on slender stems with each breeze. Coreopsis is also resistant to most insects and diseases, making it low-maintenance. The foliage can differ between species, featuring either fine, threadlike leaves or broader ones. To encourage even more flowering, be sure to remove faded blooms promptly.

Catmint

When catmint (Nepeta spp.) is in bloom during spring and summer, it truly shines as the star of the garden. The entire plant becomes adorned with tall wands of vibrant blue flowers that are resilient to heat and drought. After the initial bloom, you can simply shear the plant back by a third of its height, and it will reward you with another wave of flowers in late summer and early fall. Taller varieties, reaching up to 3 feet high, make fantastic companions for roses, peonies, or ornamental grasses, creating a beautiful layered effect in your garden. For shorter catmints that grow around 12 inches tall, position them at the front edge of your garden beds for a charming border.

Culver’s Root

Infuse your fall garden with a burst of color by planting Japanese anemones (Anemone spp.). These delightful flowers bloom from mid to late summer and maintain their vibrant display into early autumn. Featuring single, pure pink blossoms that rise gracefully on wiry, 2-foot-tall stems, they stand out beautifully against the backdrop of dark green foliage. While Japanese anemones may be slow to establish initially, they will eventually form dense clumps over time and can naturalize in an area, adding a lovely, cheerful presence to your garden landscape.

Coneflower

Native to the American prairie, coneflowers (Echinacea) are among the most popular and widely hybridized perennials in the country. In addition to single-flowering varieties, you can also find double and even triple-petal-packed options (though it’s important to note that flowers with heavy petal counts are not as beneficial for pollinators). The color palette for coneflowers ranges from the classic purplish-pink to vibrant shades of white, orange, yellow, and red. They bloom from early summer through fall, attracting a variety of birds and butterflies, making them a delightful addition to any garden.

Moss Phlox

The jewel-like flowers of moss phlox (Phlox subulata) burst into bloom early in spring, often gracing your garden alongside daffodils and tulips. This hardy perennial groundcover is a perfect choice for rock gardens or sloped areas, providing a vibrant carpet of color. Available in shades of violet, pink, white, blue, and delightful bicolor options, moss phlox adds charm and beauty to any landscape. Additionally, these resilient plants are deer resistant, making them a great option for gardens where wildlife may be a concern.

Japanese Anemone

Infuse your fall garden with a burst of color by planting Japanese anemones (Anemone spp.). These delightful flowers bloom from mid to late summer and maintain their vibrant display into early autumn. Featuring single, pure pink blossoms that rise gracefully on wiry, 2-foot-tall stems, they stand out beautifully against the backdrop of dark green foliage. While Japanese anemones may be slow to establish initially, they will eventually form dense clumps over time and can naturalize in an area, adding a lovely, cheerful presence to your garden landscape.

Cranesbill

Known for the shape of its seeds, cranesbill, or perennial geranium, is a delightful addition to any garden. This hardy perennial produces an abundance of white, pink, blue, or light purple flowers on slender, arching stems from late spring through fall. Most varieties feature beautifully mottled or veined leaves that contribute to the visual interest even when the plants aren’t in bloom, especially in the fall when the foliage takes on stunning red hues. These low-growing plants spread to create a lush carpet of color, making them ideal for filling in garden beds or ground cover.

Coral Bells

Thanks to the creativity of plant breeders, coral bells (Heuchera spp.) now showcase a stunning array of varieties. These hardy perennials feature mounding foliage that comes in vibrant colors such as purple, orange, chartreuse, and silver, often adorned with unique patterns. In addition to their eye-catching leaves, some varieties also produce attractive flowers that draw in pollinators, enhancing the ecological value of your garden. Coral bells are quite versatile, as they can tolerate some drought conditions and many types thrive in shady spots, making them a fantastic choice for various garden settings.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, selecting the right perennials can transform your garden into a colorful and thriving ecosystem. From the cheerful blooms of Japanese anemones and the dazzling hues of coral bells to the pollinator-friendly displays of bee balm, these hardy plants offer both beauty and resilience. By incorporating a variety of species that thrive in your specific conditions—whether it’s sun, shade, or drought—you can create a dynamic landscape that not only enhances your outdoor space but also supports local wildlife. With thoughtful planning and care, your garden can provide vibrant floral displays throughout the seasons, ensuring enjoyment for years to come.

TYPES OF HATS FOR WOMEN THAT YOU WANT TO KNOW

Just like hairstyles, trends in women’s hats constantly evolve. The 1920s saw a flurry of turbans and musketeer hats, while today’s scene favors fedoras and cowboy hats. Interestingly, the core hat styles themselves haven’t changed much throughout the decades. What truly transforms is what’s considered fashionable at any given time.

Modern times offer a delightful smorgasbord of hat options for women. From cozy knit beanies to wide-brimmed sun hats and classic straw boaters, the variety is endless. Additionally, with a more relaxed approach to gender norms, women today have the freedom to explore a wider range of hat shapes and styles than ever before. So, buckle up for a whirlwind tour through the fascinating history of women’s western hat styles!

WOMENS WESTERN HAT STYLES

Women’s cowboy hats are a versatile fashion accessory that can be worn in a variety of ways to create a variety of looks. Here are some of the most popular styles of women’s cowboy hats:

COWBOY HATS

The iconic cowboy hat boasts a tall crown and a wide, upturned brim. While unisex, women often favor brighter colors and decorative touches like hatbands, bows, or ribbons. Their brims are narrower in front, and felt, straw, or leather are common materials. These “cowgirl hats” add a stylish touch to any Western-inspired outfit.

FEDORA HAT

The fedora’s magic lies in its versatility. From casual weekend looks with jeans to a show-stopping red carpet entrance, it can be dressed up or down. Consider the brim size (stiff for halo style, floppy for a jaunty tilt), hairstyle (loose waves or low bun works best), and color (classic or a pop with brims or trim) to personalize your fedora look.

WOMEN’S STRAW HATS

STRAW PANAMA HATS

Though often confused, Panama hats and fedoras differ in material. Panama hats, popular for women, are woven from natural straw, typically appearing in beige or white. While fedoras can come in various colors, Panama hats offer a more natural look, with some options in brown or black.

FLOPPY HATS FOR WOMEN

Floppy hats, with their wide, cascading brims, are a summer staple for women. They offer a touch of both elegance and practicality. The wide brim provides excellent sun protection, making them perfect for days at the beach or long walks in the sun. Floppy hats come in a variety of styles and materials, from the classic straw hats ideal for hot days to felt fedoras that add a touch of sophistication. Whether you prefer a casual or dressy look, there’s a floppy hat out there to complement your style and keep you cool and protected.

FLOPPY SUN HATS FOR THE BEACH

A summer staple, the floppy sun hat offers stylish sun protection. Also known as a harvest or lifeguard hat, it boasts a wide brim (usually over 4 inches) that shades the face, neck, and even shoulders. Traditionally crafted from straw and accented with beaded hatbands, these hats are both functional and fashionable.

FLOPPY FEDORA HAT MADE OUT OF FELT

A classic fedora for women typically boasts a brim measuring between 2 and 3 inches. Floppy variations offer a wider brim, but with a softer feel compared to the traditional fedora’s stiffer brim.

FLOPPY WINTER HATS

Battling winter chills? Look no further than felt or wool winter hats for women. These cozy companions provide essential warmth, while some floppy styles boast adjustable brims for customized comfort. Whether you prefer a classic look or a touch of trendy flair, winter hats offer both function and style.

BUCKET HATS FOR WOMEN 

Bucket hats have transcended their utilitarian origins as fishing hats to become a major fashion statement for women. These playful hats boast a short brim that dips downwards all around the crown, creating a relaxed and carefree vibe. Bucket hats come in a vast array of materials, from classic cotton canvas for everyday wear to luxurious velvet for a touch of glamour.

DESIGNER BUCKET HATS

The bucket hat, a descendant of the cloche, is having a major comeback. These snug-fitting hats with floppy brims are all the rage, sported by top designers from Gucci to Burberry. They come in a variety of styles, from simply featuring the designer’s logo to boasting unique prints that mirror iconic brand patterns.

CROCHET BUCKET HATS

Crochet bucket hats, with their relaxed construction, are perfect for casual occasions. The easy-to-make design allows for creativity with yarn color and stitch tightness, making them a fun and stylish project for crocheters of all skill levels. Whether strolling through Central Park or enjoying a garden party, a crochet bucket hat adds a touch of handmade charm to your look.

FUR BUCKET HATS

Combining warmth and style, these winter hats come in classic real or faux fur options. While black and brown are popular choices, you can find them in a variety of colors and playful patterns like leopard print, making them a fun and functional winter accessory.

RED BRIM HATS

Red brim hats make a bold and stylish statement. They instantly elevate any outfit, adding a touch of drama and sophistication. Whether you choose a classic fedora with a wide, crimson brim or a playful boater hat with a cherry red edge, the pop of color is guaranteed to turn heads. Red brim hats are particularly well-suited for summer, complementing the vibrant energy of the season.

HATS WITH RED UNDER BRIM

A stylish twist on the classic fedora is emerging! These trendy hats boast black, brown, or white crowns and brims, with a surprising pop of red peeking out from underneath the brim. This unexpected detail adds a touch of modern flair and makes a statement without being overwhelming.

HAT WITH RED BRIM

Don’t be limited by a red brim! Our hat collection features these trendy styles with a pop of color on the brim, paired with the ever-popular touch of leather crows for a complete and fashionable look.

HATS WITH BRIGHT-COLORED EDGE TRIM RIBBON SEWN AROUND THE BRIM

A pop of color is taking the hat world by storm! Bright ribbon trim adorning the brim is not only a stylish touch, but also an easy way to personalize your hat. This trendy look is available in classic shapes like fedoras, boaters, and trilby hats, offering a fun and versatile option for any outfit.

CUTE BASEBALL HATS

Baseball hats can be so much more than just sporty! The classic silhouette gets a major makeover in the world of cute baseball hats. Think pastel colors, embroidered designs with everything from florals to animals, and even glittery or sequined embellishments. These hats are perfect for adding a touch of personality and fun to any outfit. Whether you’re rocking a casual tee and jeans or dressing up a sundress, a cute baseball hat can elevate your look and keep the sun out of your eyes in style.

BLING BASEBALL HATS

Forget the plain baseball cap! Bling baseball hats elevate the classic design with dazzling rhinestones and eye-catching custom jewelry. Often crafted with a metallic sheen, these hats are the perfect statement piece for those who love to add a touch of sparkle to their everyday wear.

PINK BASEBALL HATS

Baseball hats come in for the win when it comes to women’s casual headwear. They offer a sporty vibe and come in two main styles: classic pink for a touch of femininity, or showcasing your loyalty with a team’s logo proudly displayed.

TRENDY BASEBALL HATS

What’s trendy can be subjective. A designer logo might make a hat trendy to some, while others prefer unique materials like denim or felt on their baseball hats. We even have a best-selling leather bucket hat, showing how unexpected materials can become must-have accessories.

BRITISH-STYLE WOMEN’S HATS

British fashion is synonymous with timeless elegance and a touch of sophistication, and this extends to their hats as well. British-style women’s hats offer a variety of options, from the classic and practical to the whimsically charming.

VICTORIAN HATS

Victorian hats weren’t one-size-fits-all. While some were small and perched on the head, others boasted wide brims for a more dramatic look. Regardless of size, these hats often incorporated roses or other blooms as a beautiful finishing touch.

PORK PIE HATS

The pork pie hat, a charming addition to women’s fashion, boasts a short, rounded crown with a distinctive crease. Its narrow brim, typically under two inches, flips upwards for a touch of elegance. Gaining popularity in mid-19th century England, these hats often sported a decorative hatband, sometimes even featuring a flamboyant plume of feathers.

AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK HATS

Built for the Australian outback, this hat boasts a wide brim (over 3 inches!) for superior sun and weather protection. Crafted from felt, cotton, or leather, outback hats often feature a classic military style with one side pinned up and a brim that dips in the front and back.

WOMEN’S RUSSIAN-STYLE FUR HAT

When the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing quite like a woman’s Russian-style fur hat to add warmth, elegance, and a touch of exotic flair. These hats, often crafted from luxurious furs like fox or rabbit, boast distinctive features that set them apart. Regardless of the style, a woman’s Russian-style fur hat guarantees a touch of old-world glamour and unbeatable warmth for even the harshest winter days.

DEERSTALKER HATS

The deerstalker hat, immortalized by Sherlock Holmes, boasts a distinctive double-brimmed design with ear flaps that tie up. Unlike its fur-clad cousin, the Shapka Ushanka, deerstalkers are crafted from wool, typically in stripes or herringbone patterns. Surprisingly, this classic detective staple has even made a recent comeback, gracing the runways of major fashion houses.

SHAPKA USHANKA

This toasty fur hat, also known as a trapper hat, features ear flaps that can be secured on top or tied under the chin for extra warmth. Unlike many hats, it boasts neither a brim nor a tall crown, prioritizing functionality over flair. Originally designed to keep Russian soldiers warm in harsh winters, the trapper hat offers cozy comfort that has transcended borders.

COSSACK HATS

The Cossack hat boasts a tall crown and a thick fur cuff at the base, offering warmth and a touch of luxury. Ear flaps may or may not be present, but a decorative broach adorns the fur, adding a touch of feminine flair. Some adventurous Cossack hat variations even feature colorful fur for a bolder statement.

1940’S WOMEN’S HAT STYLES

The 1940s saw a dramatic shift in women’s fashion due to World War II. Fabric rationing and a focus on practicality influenced hat styles. Wide-brimmed hats remained popular, offering sun protection while working outdoors. However, the silhouette became smaller and sleeker compared to the flamboyant styles of the 1930s.

FRENCH BERET 

The beret, a quintessential symbol of France, boasts a flat crown that can be tilted for a touch of Parisian flair. Unlike its brimmed counterparts, this iconic hat features a small stalk at the top, completing its effortlessly stylish silhouette.

TURBAN

The turban offers a stylish and versatile headwear option. Crafted from fabric, it can be self-tied for a custom fit or purchased pre-styled for convenience. While typically plain, some turbans add a touch of flair with decorative elements like flowers, pins, or feathers.

PILLBOX HAT

The pillbox hat, popularized by Jackie Onassis, is a small, circular hat with no brim that perches on the head. Unlike some dramatic hats, it allows for a stylish tilt and keeps the hairstyle intact. With a low profile often under two inches tall, this hat is both elegant and unobtrusive.

1930’S WOMEN’S HAT STYLES

The 1930s was a golden age for hats, and women’s styles were as diverse as they were glamorous. The iconic cloche hat, a close-fitting helmet style, dominated the early part of the decade, often tilted at a jaunty angle and adorned with feathers or jewels. Even sporty looks incorporated hats, with fedoras and trilby styles offering a touch of masculinity. No matter the occasion, a well-chosen hat was the perfect finishing touch for any stylish woman in the 1930s.

CLOCHE 

The cloche hat, aptly named for the French word for “bell,” takes its inspiration from its distinctive curved shape. Hugging close to the head, it features a short brim that dips on one side and playfully rises on the other. Often adorned with a charming bow or flower on the hatband, the cloche hat is a timeless symbol of elegance.

MADCAP

Elsa Schiaparelli, a renowned milliner, brought us the “mad cap.” This felt hat, lacking a brim, conformed to the wearer’s whim. Crafted from felt, it offered endless styling possibilities, allowing women to mold it into their desired shape.

1920’S WOMEN’S HAT STYLES

Overall, 1920s hats were a reflection of the changing times – stylish, yet practical, embodying the spirit of the independent and carefree flapper.

SAILOR BRIM STRAW HAT

The rise of straw hats brought both sailor styles and boaters into fashion. These lightweight options featured a classic straw build, perfect for warmer weather. Sailor hats often added a touch of whimsy with a long, flowing ribbon trailing from the back brim. Boaters, on the other hand, sported a neat and compact design with a low crown and a brim measuring around two inches.

WIDE-BRIMMED CURVED

Around the turn of the 20th century, wide-brimmed hats reigned supreme for women. Often graced with feathers or blooms, these dramatic pieces perched at the back of the head, framing the face with a halo effect created by the brim. The brim itself offered styling versatility, turning up or down to suit the wearer’s preference. These beauties also went by the fitting name “picture hats.”

MUSKETEER HAT WITH FEATHERS

Fueled by the 1921 release of “The Three Musketeers,” a trend for musketeer hats emerged among women. These hats mirrored the bicorn or tricorn style, featuring an upturned brim at the front. Feathers, often adorning the front or side, added a touch of swashbuckling flair.

WOMEN’S TOP HAT 

Standing tall with a crown exceeding five inches, the women’s top hat embodies elegance. Its short, two-inch brim is eclipsed by a flat crown, while the front and back dip gracefully downward in contrast to the upswept sides. This iconic style adds a touch of drama and sophistication to any outfit.

FAQ

1. What should you keep in mind when choosing and wearing a hat?

  • You should choose a hat that is the right size for your head.
  • You should choose a hat with a design that suits your body shape and personal style.
  • Hats should be worn properly to avoid damaging the hairstyle.
  • Hats should be stored in a cool, dry place when not in use.

2. What style suggestions do you recommend for women’s big head hats?

Wide brim: Fedora, bucket, floppy.

High crown: Beret, cloche.

Details: Beanie with bow, patterned beanie.

CONCLUSION

Throughout history, women’s hats have been a canvas for both fashion and function. This guide explores how hat styles have evolved alongside the times, reflecting the creativity of designers and the individuality of women who wear them. From practical sun protection to bold statements of style, hats have always played a fascinating role in women’s fashion.